LEWISTON — James E. Craven, 76, of Lewiston, died peacefully with his wife at his side, on Monday morning, Nov. 6, at CMMC.

Jim was born in Bangor on May 8, 1941, a son of the late Joyce (Smith) Craven and Walter Gerald Craven; the youngest of four sons. James attended schools in Bangor and after graduation from Bangor High he moved to Boston. He secured a job with General Electric, for whom he worked for the next 40 years. After retiring, he volunteered for Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for 10 years, where he made many good friends whom he loved.

On Sept. 9, 1967, he married Margaret (Connolly) Craven, his wife of 50 years. In 1970, they decided to move back to Maine to raise a family and to be closer to his parents. Jim and Margaret have two sons, who were the joy of his life. Jim enjoyed fun activities with his family when they were young such as cookouts, boating, fishing, water-skiing and spending long days on the water, a Disney World Christmas, several trips to Ireland to spend time with family, and many more trips and adventures across New England. He was a true family man; loyal, loving and supportive.

Jim was a natural comedian and loved to tell jokes and entertain friends and family with his antics. In his younger days he loved to bowl, work out and watch car racing on TV. He loved playing cribbage with his good friends, Nell and Ron, which is one of the joys he retained to almost the very end. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family; He was there to support them through their educations, their hobbies and passions, and their ups and downs. He will be truly missed.

Jim leaves behind Margaret, his wife of 50 years, of Lewiston; his son, Walter and daughter-in-law, Tricia of Cumberland Foreside; his son, TJ and daughter-in-law, Melissa of Greene; three grandsons, Finn and Declan Craven of Cumberland Foreside, and Joseph Craven of Greene. He is also survived by his brother Jerald Craven and sister-in-law, Regina of Chandler, Ariz.; niece, Cheryl, of Phoenix Ariz.; and nephew, Casey of Burlington, Vt. Jim has more than 40 nieces and nephews, including Andrea, Veronica and John Craven of California; as well as his sister-in-law, Sandy Craven.

He was predeceased by his two brothers, John and Robert Craven.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Woodland Memory Care in Lewiston for the warm care they provided to Jim for the past four-and-a-half months, especially Scott who went above and beyond to make him feel safe, comfortable and cared about.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

James E. Craven